So this week was maybe the 10th or so time I've testified on the Hill, as an scientist/researcher. A couple thoughts on the process. 1/
First, almost everyone else who testifies in congress is doing this as part of their job, e.g., as a government official or as a lobbyist or as some kind of industry or organization rep. Academic types are the exception, and the process is not geared to us. 2/
You almost never get a lot of notice. More than about a week or so is unusual. The pros can deal with this; they already have most of their testimony and story ready to go, and have at least some kind of support team helping them. Academics are basically on their own. 3/
You can submit written testimony, which is generally due a couple days before the hearing. So you may only have a few days to prepare the written statement. And you get (usually) 5 minutes for an opening statement, which isn't much, so preparing carefully is important. 4/
You're also on your own for expenses, which can be non-trivial if you're coming from far away and need to stay overnight. 5/
So basically, it means that academic types you see testifying on c-span have probably dropped everything for a week to prepare, and are doing it because they feel it's important. And they're right. 6/
Aside from the fact that it's rather an honor to be asked, the academics who testify are among the few people who aren't (as directly) pushing a narrow agenda. We have opinions, of course, but we're among the only people there who really have the freedom to be nuanced, 7/
I've also, personally, never been the subject of really hostile questioning, although sometimes committee members have tried to get me to say things that would twist what I mean, and you have to watch for that. 8/
All in all, it's a very messy imperfect system, but it's also among the better opportunities Congress has to hear from people outside the normal lobbying bubble. So it's I think it's really important if you ever get asked to do this, take it seriously. 9/
It's also very important to talk to the staffers who invited you to get a sense of what the members are looking for - they can be very helpful. Also - and this is not obvious - the staffers are often VERY knowledgable and engaged on the subtitles of the topic. 10/
Finally, it's an opportunity to get things on the record in a way that can sometimes have impact far beyond the committee itself. The written testimony is especially important for this. 11/
The bottom line is that if you're asked to testify, take it seriously! It's a great opportunity, but the process isn't geared to us academics, and you'll have to reach out for support and advice where you can find it. But do it! 12/12
I should note that @TheRealSpaf also has some helpful advice for first-time academics who testify in Congress. spaf.cerias.purdue.edu/usgov/testimon…
